Three local lawmen injured in porch collapse during shooting investigation

By Billy W. HobbsStaff Writer

Three local law enforcement officers and a man were injured when a porch staircase they were standing on collapsed in Thomson early Monday, authorities say.

The mishap, which occurred at a residence on the 800 block of Deans Avenue about 3:15 a.m., followed a shooting that happened earlier at a residence about a block away.

Thomson Police Chief John Hathaway identified his officers as Adam Dye and Matt Massey. Officer Dye received a "deep laceration to his right elbow," while Officer Massey received a "bump" to the back of his head and other assorted injuries to the left side of his body. Officer Dye received 10 stitches to close up the cut, Chief Hathaway said.

The third lawman injured in the accident was identified as Deputy Al Reeves, according to McDuffie County Sheriff's Department Major Ronnie Williamson. Deputy Reeves underwent ankle surgery at McDuffie Regional Medical Center in Thomson on Tuesday. Maj. Williamson said Deputy Reeves, a veteran with the department, is expected to be out of work for about 11 weeks.

All three lawmen were treated at the scene by personnel with the McDuffie County Emergency Medical Services and firefighters/first responders with the Thomson Fire Department. Deputy Reeves was taken by ambulance to the hospital, while the two police officers drove themselves to the hospital for treatment.

At the time of the accident, lawmen were attempting to question a man about a shooting that happened on West Street a few minutes earlier, according to Officer Massey. Like the officers, Rafael Moore, was injured. He was taken by ambulance to the Medical College of Georgia Hospital in Augusta with a back injury.

The man shot minutes earlier, Kenneth Reese, received a foot wound and also was taken to MCG, Officer Massey said.